Horse-Nutrition
Poisonous-Plants

Its a good idea while learning about horse-nutrition to learn about plants can be lethal to horses if consumed in certain quantities. Whether your horse is kept at grass, or is turned out occasionally in pasture ,it is well worth making a thorough check of your pastures and grazing areas. There are many plants, shrubs and trees that are dangerous to horses. Some plants such as Yew are lethal in even small quantities.
Ragwort
Ragwort is a tall plant with yellow flowers that is fairly easy to recognize. Small doses of Ragwort eaten over a long period of time or large portions consumed quickly are both deadly to the horse. This plant contains an alkaloid that poisons the liver.
There is no specific treatment.
Rhododendron
Small quantities of Rhododendron can attack the respiratory system of the horse and cause death. Shrubs and trees of this variety should be avoided at all cost.
Yellow Star Thistle
Don't think that because it is thistle the horses won't eat it and actually find it palatable. Those prickly things so painful to the human touch are tasty to some horses!
Horsetail
These are usually found in boggy areas and can be lethal if eaten in large quantities. Horses do not usually eat the stems.
Buttercup
Some plants have a cumulative effect on different systems of the horse. Some can cause poor growth, lack of coordination and/or general loss of condition.
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